What kind of theory for what kind of population geography

Abstract

This paper raises the issue of the role of theory in population geography. In the last decade there have been calls for population geographers to become more involved in the wider debates of human geography and related social sciences including a plea for (re)theorization of the subdiscipline. Yet there has been little response. Since theory is not an optional extra why this lack of enthusiasm? One explanation the author suggests relates to an uncertainty about the different kinds of theory that inform empirical population research. Using the example of demographic transition theory the author identifies different “layers” of theory (population theory theories of society and philosophical theories) that underpin population research. The author argues that in addition population geographers must recognize the continuing importance of disciplinary cultures and attend to theories of space and place. Understanding difference and diversity must lie at the heart of population geographys contribution to the multidisciplinary arena of population studies. It is the ideas of postmodernism that have “legitimized” such understandings in the wider social sciences. At the same time these ideas have introduced an ultimately nihilistic pluralism. Resolution of the resulting tension is the greatest challenge currently facing the discipline of geography. The authors entreaty is that population geographers recognize this challenge and as part of the (re)theorization of the subdiscipline become more involved in the debate. (authors)